Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Features Canadian Olympians

As the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay continues on its 106-day journey across Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) today confirmed more than 300 Canadian Olympians are part of the nationwide celebration leading up to the Opening Ceremony on February 12. The COC was pleased to assist the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) in the recruiting and coordination of Olympian torchbearers, which includes several 2010 hopefuls and many past medallists.

“I think this is not only a great honour for the Olympians, but also a fitting tribute as these athletes have given so much to Canada’s Olympic Movement over the years,” said COC President Michael Chambers. “This incredible event will evoke the memories that these dedicated Olympians created and inspire our 2010 Olympians competing in Vancouver and Whistler.”

The full list of participating athletes – seen below – includes more than 100 Olympic medallists, 53 of whom are Olympic champions. The names stretch back through history and include Olympians that have represented Canada in each decade since the 1930s – notably including honorary IOC member and COC life president James Worrall, a 1936 Olympian in athletics (running Dec. 17 in Toronto) and Canadian Olympic Order recipient and 1948 gold medallist Barbara Ann Scott-King (Dec. 13, Ottawa).

“For me, the relay symbolizes the rich heritage of the Olympic Games, the passion of the athletes, the notion that we must carry that passion from one hand to another, and the fact that the Olympic Flame has the chance to burn bright in the heart of all people of the world that even look upon it,” said Olympian and Canada’s Assistant Chef de Mission for 2010 Steve Podborski, who will participate on Feb. 5 in Whistler.

Olympians were invited to participate in the Torch Relay by a number of Vancouver 2010 partners, particularly presenting partners Coca-Cola and RBC.